Quijote's expands, 15C re-opens, beer continues to explode

Side Dish

Open for a year and a half in the space that spurned many other hopeful eateries, Quijote's Mexican Grill (208 N. Union Blvd., 313-9127) isn't just hanging on, but thriving, according to owner Daniel Silva.

A new juice bar component, featuring create-your-own juices, smoothies and shakes, plus fresh fruit like chile- and lime-flavored coconut, already launched. Now comes the addition of dinner hours as of Tuesday, Sept. 3, soon to be followed by expansion into the adjacent space formerly known as the Pale Horse Bar and Lounge.

From Sept. 3 until early October, the Mexican Grill side will serve the current breakfast and lunch menu from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and then the taqueria menu from 3 until close. Once the former Pale Horse space opens, it will adopt the taqueria menu and hours, allowing the Mexican Grill side to close at 3. Juices will be sold anytime, the whole outfit being open daily but for Sundays.

Now to the new taqueria menu: Look for popular tacos like the cochinita pibil and barbacoa, plus newbies like lengua and al pastor, served plated with garnishes and sauces. A new liquor license will usher in items like a cucumber-mint margarita, Jamaica-flower sangria, micheladas and much more.

Another round, barkeep

• The Colorado Springs Business Journal reported last week that owner Alan Pak finally plans to re-open the popular speakeasy-vibe martini bar 15C (15 E. Bijou St., Suite C, in the alleyway north of Kiowa Street), which has been closed since a fire damaged it three years ago. There's no word yet on an exact opening date, but it's likely quite soon, according to the article.

• Year-old Great Storm Brewing (204 Mount View Lane, #3, greatstormbrewing.com) recently debuted a significantly expanded taproom that includes more interior and patio seating, a mini arcade area, and ample space in which to ramp up beer production. Focus on the Beer reports that owners Lynn and Jeff Jacobs have plans for a 10-barrel system. GSB's first wooden barrel for aging its brew has been hoisted, and a Facebook tease says to expect "something super delicious for you in the fall."

• Five-month-old Ute Pass Brewing Co. (209 E. Midland Ave., Woodland Park, utepassbrewingcompany.com) is "one giant step closer to brew" — meaning the long-awaited launch of its own brew-house. A tavern license has thus far enabled the sales of other Colorado craft products alongside a small sandwich menu, but co-owners Todd DeRemus and Scott Jones say we could be tasting their own product as early as late October, tentatively.

• Trinity Brewing Co. (1466 Garden of the Gods Road, trinitybrew.com) will celebrate its fifth anniversary from 11 a.m. onward, Saturday, Aug. 31, with tappings of "all Trinity beers made throughout the year."